Methods of forming single source precursors, methods of forming polymeric single source precursors, and single source precursors formed by such methods

ABSTRACT

Methods of forming single source precursors (SSPs) include forming intermediate products having the empirical formula ½{L 2 N(μ-X) 2 M′X 2 } 2 , and reacting MER with the intermediate products to form SSPs of the formula L 2 N(μ-ER) 2 M′(ER) 2 , wherein L is a Lewis base, M is a Group IA atom, N is a Group IB atom, M′ is a Group IIIB atom, each E is a Group VIB atom, each X is a Group VIIA atom or a nitrate group, and each R group is an alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, or carbamato group. Methods of forming polymeric or copolymeric SSPs include reacting at least one of HE 1 R 1 E 1 H and MER with one or more substances having the empirical formula L 2 N(μ-ER) 2 M′(ER) 2  or L 2 N(μ-X) 2 M′(X) 2  to form a polymeric or copolymeric SSP. New SSPs and intermediate products are formed by such methods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/646,474, filed Dec. 23, 2009, pending, the subject matter of which is related to the subject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/191,062, filed Jul. 26, 2011, to the subject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/099,043, filed May 2, 2011, which application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/047,956, filed Mar. 13, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,003,070, issued Aug. 23, 2011, and to the subject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/019,879, filed Feb. 2, 2011. The disclosure of each of the foregoing applications and patents is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

This invention was made under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between Precision Nanoparticles and Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC under Contract Number DE-AC07-051D14517 awarded by the United States Department of Energy. The government has certain rights in this invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of forming single source precursors and, more particularly, to methods of forming organometallic single source precursors for use in forming semiconductor materials, particles, and devices.

BACKGROUND

Semiconductor devices are devices that employ semiconductor materials, which are solid materials that exhibit an electrical conductivity lying between that of a conductor and that of an insulator. Semiconductor devices include, for example, diodes (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)), photovoltaic devices, sensors, solid state lasers, and integrated circuits (e.g., memory modules and microprocessors).

Semiconductor materials that can be employed in semiconductor devices include, for example, silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), chalcopyrites (e.g., CuInS₂, CuGaS₂, and CuInSe₂), chalcogenides (e.g., Cu(In_(x)Ga_(1-x))(Se_(y)S_(1-y))₂), cadmium telluride (CdTe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), organic polymers (e.g., polyphenylene vinylene, copper phthalocyanine, fullerenes), and light absorbing dyes (e.g., ruthenium-centered metalorganic dyes).

It has been discovered that chalcopyrite materials may be formed by decomposing one or more so-called “single source precursors” (SSPs), which are organometallic substances (e.g., molecules, complexes, etc.) that comprise all of the atomic elements, in the appropriate stoichiometric ratios, necessary to form a chalcopyrite material. Such methods, and methods of forming such SSPs are disclosed in, for example, Hirpo et al., Synthesis of Mixed Copper-Indium Chalcogenolates. Single-Source Precursors for The Photovoltaic Materials CuInQ ₂ (Q=S, Se), JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, Vol. 115, Iss. 4, pp. 1597-1599 (Feb. 24, 1993). Methods for forming such SSPs are also disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,202, which issued Jan. 31, 2006 to Banger et al.

There remains a need in the art, however, for improved methods that may be used to form single source precursors for use in forming chalcopyrite materials (e.g., semiconductive ternary chalcopyrite materials).

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present invention includes methods of forming single source precursors. The methods include forming an intermediate product having the empirical formula ½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂, and reacting MER with the intermediate product to form a single source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂, wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N by a dative bond, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, and each R group is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes methods of forming single source precursors from other single source precursors. For example, HE²R² may be reacted with a first single source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)₂M′(E¹R¹)₂ to form a second, different single source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-E²R²)₂M′(E²R²)₂, wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E¹ and E² is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, and each R¹ and R² group is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.

In additional embodiments, the present invention includes methods of forming polymeric single source precursors, in which HE¹R¹E¹H is reacted with a single source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ to form a polymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula [L₂N(μ-ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a (b=2−a), c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c (d=2−c), m is any number, each of the R groups is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each of the R¹ groups is individually selected from the group consisting of aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, carbamato, and α,ω-E′ functionalized alkyl groups.

In additional embodiments, the present invention includes methods of forming polymeric single source precursors in which at least one of HE¹R¹E¹H and HE²R² is reacted with a single source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ to form a polymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula [L₂N(E²R²)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(E²R²)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E, E¹, and E² is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, m is any number, each R and R² is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, carbamato, and α,ω-E′ functionalized alkyl groups.

In yet further embodiments, the present invention includes methods of forming copolymeric single source precursors in which a first single source precursor, a second single source precursor differing from the first single source precursor, and HE¹R¹E¹H are reacted to form a copolymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula {[L₂N¹(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′¹(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)[L₂N²(ER)_(e)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(f)M′²(ER)_(g)(E¹R¹E¹)_(h)]_(n)}_(l), wherein L is a Lewis base, each N¹ and N² is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′¹ and M′² is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, e is any number from zero (0) to two (2), f is the difference between two (2) and e, g is any number from zero (0) to two (2), h is the difference between two (2) and g, m is any number, n is any number, l is any number, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, carbamato, and α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl groups.

Additional embodiments of the present invention include methods of forming polymeric single source precursors in which at least one of ME¹R¹E¹M and MER is reacted with a substance having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-X)₂M′(X)₂ to form a polymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula [L₂N(μ-ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base that is coordinated to N by a dative bond, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a (b=2−a), c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c (d=2−c), m is any number, each of the R groups is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each of the R¹ groups is individually selected from the group consisting of aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, carbamato, and α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl groups.

In additional embodiments, copolymeric single source precursors are formed by reacting uME¹R¹E¹M and vMER with a first substance having the empirical formula L₂N¹(μ-X)₂M′¹(X)₂ and a second substance having the empirical formula L₂N²(μ-X)₂M′²(X)₂ to form a copolymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula {[L₂N¹(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′¹(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)[L₂N²(ER)_(e)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(f)M′2(ER)_(g)(E¹R¹E¹)_(h)]_(n)}_(l), wherein L is a Lewis base, each N¹ and N² is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′¹ and M′² is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, e is any number from zero (0) to two (2), f is the difference between two (2) and e, g is any number from zero (0) to two (2), h is the difference between two (2) and g, m is any number, n is any number, l is any number, u is any number from zero (0) to four (4), v is the difference between four (4) and u, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, carbamato, and α,ω-E′ functionalized alkyl groups.

Further embodiments of the present invention include single source precursors, polymeric single source precursors, and copolymeric single source precursors formed by the methods described herein.

For example, in some embodiments, the present invention includes polymeric, organometallic single source precursor having the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, m is any number, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, carbamato, and α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl groups.

Yet further embodiments of the present invention include polymeric, organometallic single source precursors having the empirical formula [L₂N(μER¹)_(a)(μ-ER²E)_(b)M′(ER¹)_(c)(ER²E)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a (b=2−a), c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c (d=2−c), m is any number, each of the R¹ groups is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each of the R² groups is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, vinyl, and aryl groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, advantages of this invention may be more readily ascertained from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate various intermediate products that may be formed in accordance with embodiments of methods of the present invention for forming single source precursors; and

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a single source precursor that may be formed using methods of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular molecule or complex, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the present invention.

The chalcogens are the elements in Group VIA (16) of the periodic table. As used herein, the term “chalcogenide” means and includes any compound that contains at least one chalcogen element other than oxygen (e.g., sulfur, selenium, tellurium, etc.). Chalcogenides include, for example, ternary chalcopyrite materials.

As used herein the term “ternary chalcopyrite material” means and includes any material having a composition generally represented by the formula I-III-VI₂, where roman numeral I refers to elements in Group I (Groups IA (1) and IB (11)) of the periodic table, roman numeral III refers to elements in Group III (Groups IIIB (3) and IIIA (13)) of the periodic table, and roman numeral VI refers to elements in Group VI (Groups VIB (6) and VIA (16)) of the periodic table. By ternary, it is meant that the chalcopyrite materials contain atoms from three elemental Groups of the periodic table. For example, approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the atoms in a ternary chalcopyrite material may be from Group IB, approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the atoms may be from Group IIIA, and approximately fifty percent (50%) of the atoms may be from Group VIA. CuInS₂, CuInSe₂, Cu(In,Ga)Se₂, CuGaSe₂, and AgInS₂ are examples of ternary chalcopyrite materials. It should be noted that ternary chalcopyrites include materials having multiple and/or different atoms from each of three Groups of the periodic table. For example, CuInSSe is a ternary chalcopyrite because it has Cu (Group IB), In (Group IIIA), and S and Se (both from Group VIA). In addition, materials of the form (Cu:Ag)(In:Ga)(S:Se), having various ratios of the respectively grouped atoms are all ternary chalcopyrites (Cu and Ag both are in Group IB, In and Ga both are in Group IIIA, S and Se both are in Group VIA).

As used herein, the terms “single source precursor” and “SSP” mean and include any substance (e.g., a molecule or complex) that comprises all of the necessary atomic elements, in the appropriate stoichiometric ratios, necessary to form a chalcogenide material (e.g., a ternary chalcopyrite material). Single source precursors may comprise so-called organometallic substances. As non-limiting examples, single source precursors include molecules or complexes having the empirical formula [L₂N(μ-ER)₂M(ER)₂] (or L₂NM(ER)₄), wherein L is a Lewis base that is coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, and each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. As seven particular non-limiting examples, single source precursors include (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂, (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂Ga(SEt)₂, (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂Al(SEt)₂, (Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂, (Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SEt)₂Ga(SEt)₂, (Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SEt)₂Al(SEt)₂, and {(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-Cl)₂InCl₂}₂.

By way of example and not limitation, the following are examples of copper-indium SSPs: [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethylthiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) indium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)indium]bis [μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato) indium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)indium]bis [μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiobenzoato)indium]bis[μ-(thiobenzoato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiobenzoato)indium]bis[μ-(thiobenzoato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiobenzoato)indium]bis[μ-(thiobenzoato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiobenzoato)indium]bis[μ-(thiobenzoato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiobenzoato)indium]bis[μ-(thiobenzoato)]bis[ethylenebis(diphenylphosphine)]-copper; [bis(thiobenzoato)indium]bis[μ-(thiobenzoato)]bis[bis(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)ether]-copper; [bis(thiobenzoato)indium]bis[μ-(thiobenzoato)]bis(trimethylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis[ethylenebis(diphenylphosphine)]-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis[bis(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)ether]-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; and [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(trimethylphosphine)-copper.

By way of example and not limitation, the following are examples of copper-gallium SSPs: [bis(ethanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) gallium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) gallium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) gallium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; and [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)gallium]bis [μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper.

By way of example and not limitation, the following are examples of silver-indium SSPs: [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)indium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) indium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; and [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)indium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver.

By way of example and not limitation, the following are examples of silver-gallium SSPs: [bis(ethanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis (perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) gallium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(thiophenolato)gallium]bis [μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(thiophenolato)gallium]bis [μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(thiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(thiophenolato)gallium]bis [μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)gallium]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)gallium]bis [μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)gallium]bis [μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)gallium]bis [μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato) gallium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)gallium]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; and [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)gallium]bis [μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver.

By way of example and not limitation, the following are examples of copper-aluminum SSPs: [bis(ethanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis (triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(ethanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(propanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(hexanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethylthiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) aluminum]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-copper; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-copper; and [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-copper.

By way of example and not limitation, the following are examples of silver-aluminum SSPs: [bis(ethanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(ethanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(ethanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(propanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(hexanethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(propanethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethylthiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(4-trifluoromethyl-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) aluminum]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato) aluminum]bis[μ-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(thiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(thiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(α-toluenethiolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(α-toluenethiolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis (triisobutylphosphine)-silver; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(trihexylphosphine)-silver; [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato) aluminum]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(triphenylphosphine)-silver; and [bis(pentafluorothiophenolato)aluminum]bis[μ-(pentafluorothiophenolato)]bis(perfluorotriphenylphosphine)-silver.

The examples of SSPs set forth above are examples only, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such examples may be used to derive many other SSPs for use in forming chalcogenide materials such as, for example, ternary chalcopyrite materials.

Embodiments of the present invention include methods of forming SSPs. The methods are believed to be generally faster, more versatile (may be used to form a wider variety of SSPs), and to exhibit improved yield relative to other methods known in the art.

An example of a reaction pathway in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is represented by Reactions 1 through 3 below:

In some embodiments of the present invention, SSPs of the general formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ may be formed using a reaction pathway in accordance with Reactions 1 through 3 below:

N—X+2L→L₂N—X  Reaction 1

L₂N—X+M′X₃→½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂  Reaction 2

½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂+4MER→L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂(+4MX)(SSP)  Reaction 3

wherein L is a Lewis base (that is coordinated to N by a dative bond), each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, and each R group is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the Lewis base L may comprise, for example, a substituted phosphine of the general formula PR₃, wherein P is a phosphorous atom and each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. As a non-limiting example, the Lewis base L may comprise a phosphine compound such as Ph₃P, wherein Ph is the phenyl group (a functional group comprising an aromatic cyclic ring of the formula C₆H₅ ⁻). In accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention, the Lewis base L may comprise, for example, a substituted multidentate phosphine of the general formula R₂PAPR₂, wherein P is a phosphorous atom, each A is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and vinyl, and each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. As a non-limiting example, the Lewis base L may comprise a phosphine compound such as Ph₂PC₆H₄OC₆H₄PPh₂ (bis(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)ether), wherein Ph is the phenyl group (a functional group comprising an aromatic cyclic ring of the formula C₆H₅ ⁻).

Reactions 1 through 3 above, when combined and balanced, result in the net reaction N—X+2L+M′X₃+4MER→L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ (+4MX). The particular reaction pathway prescribed by Reactions 1 through 3 results in the formation of the intermediate products L₂N—X and ½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂. Such reaction pathways provide certain advantages over previously known methods of forming SSPs having the general formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂.

Referring to Reaction 1, a first reagent comprising L₂N—X (for use in Reaction 2) may be formed by reacting a Lewis base (e.g., a substituted phosphine (PR₃)) with a metal halide or nitride (N—X). The molar ratio of the Lewis base to the metal halide or nitride may be, for example, two (2) to one (1) (in other words, two molar equivalents of the Lewis base and one molar equivalent of the metal halide or nitride may be reacted with one another in Reaction 1), although the particular molar ratio may depend on the particular SSP to be formed.

Reaction 1 may be carried out in solution. For example, Reaction 1 may be performed in anhydrous benzene (C₆H₆), in acetonitrile (CH₃CN), in a mixture of more than one solvent, or in another suitable solvent. The product of Reaction 1 may comprise a suspension in which the first reagent comprising L₂N—X is present as a liquid or solid product suspended in the solution. The suspension may be concentrated to yield a liquid or a solid product comprising the L₂N—X substance. Alternatively, the reaction may be conducted in a single pot reaction, wherein the L₂N—X substance is not concentrated.

Referring to Reaction 2, the intermediate product ½[L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂ may be formed by reacting the first reagent comprising L₂N—X with M′X₃. The molar ratio of the L₂N—X reagent to the M′X₃ reagent may be, for example, one (1) to one (1) (in other words, one molar equivalent of the L₂N—X reagent and one molar equivalent of the M′X₃ reagent may be reacted with one another in Reaction 2), although, again, the particular molar ratio may depend on the particular SSP to be formed.

Reaction 2 also may be carried out in solution. For example, Reaction 2 may be performed in the same benzene (C₆H₆) (or other solvent or solvent mixture) used in Reaction 1 or another suitable solvent (i.e., a solvent in which the L₂N—X reagent and/or the M′X₃ reagent is soluble). The product of Reaction 2 may comprise a solution or a suspension comprising the intermediate product ½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂.

Referring to Reaction 3, an SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ may be formed by reacting the intermediate product ½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂ of Reaction 2 with the MER reagent. By way of example and not limitation, the MER reagent may be added to the solution or suspension that is the product of Reaction 2 and includes the intermediate product ½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂. The molar ratio of the MER reagent to the ½{L₂N(μ-X)₂MX₂}₂ reagent may be, for example, four (4) to one (1) (in other words, four molar equivalents of the MER reagent and one molar equivalent of the ½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂ reagent may be reacted with one another in Reaction 3), although, again, the particular molar ratio may depend on the particular SSP to be formed. It is noted that the R groups in the four molar equivalents of the MER reagent may differ from one another, and may be individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. In other words, one molar equivalent of the MER reagent may comprise R¹, one molar equivalent of the MER reagent may comprise R², one molar equivalent of the MER reagent may comprise R³, and one molar equivalent of the MER reagent may comprise R⁴, wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ all differ from one another. In additional embodiments, less than four different R groups (e.g., one, two, or three), or more than four different R groups may be employed in the MER reagent. Similarly, the E groups in the four molar equivalents of the MER reagent may differ from one another, and may be individually selected from the Group VIA atoms. In other words, one molar equivalent of the MER reagent may comprise E¹, one molar equivalent of the MER reagent may comprise E², one molar equivalent of the MER reagent may comprise E³, and one molar equivalent of the MER reagent may comprise E⁴, wherein E′, E², E³, and E⁴ all differ from one another. In additional embodiments, less than four different E groups (e.g., one, two, or three), or more than four different E groups may be employed in the MER reagent.

Reaction 3 also may be carried out in solution. For example, Reaction 3 may be performed in the same in the same benzene (C₆H₆) (or other solvent or solvent mixture) used in Reaction 2 or another suitable solvent, after carrying out Reaction 2, such that the solution includes the intermediate product and reagent ½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂. The product of Reaction 3 may comprise a suspension in which the SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ is present as a liquid or solid product dissolved or suspended in the solution. The by-product may be filtered, and the filtrate may be concentrated to isolate the SSP. The SSP may comprise a liquid or solid product, and the solid SSP may be re-crystallized as desirable in preparation for utilizing the SSP to form a chalcogenide material (e.g., a ternary chalcopyrite material).

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, SSPs of the general formula L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)(μ-E²R²)M′(E²R²)₂ (SSP) or L₂N(μ-E²R²)₂M′(E²R²)(E¹R¹) (SSP) may be formed using reaction pathways in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention represented by Reaction 1 (which is the same as above and repeated below for convenience) and Reactions 4 through 6 below:

N—X+2L→L₂N—X  Reaction 1

L₂N—X+ME¹R¹→L₂N-E¹R¹(+MX)  Reaction 4

M′X₃ +nME²R²→M′(E²R²)_(n)(+nMX)  Reaction 5

L₂N-E¹R¹+M′(E²R²)_(n)→L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)(μ-E²R²)M′(E²R²)₂(SSP) or L₂N(μ-E²R²)₂M′(E²R²)(E¹R¹)(SSP)  Reaction 6

wherein L is a Lewis base (that is coordinated to N by a dative bond), each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E¹ and E² is individually selected from Group VIA atoms (E¹ and E² may be same or different), each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, n is any number (e.g., an integer) from one (1) to three (3), and each R¹ and R² group is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, wherein at least one E¹ differs from at least one E² and/or at least one R¹ differs from at least one R². In some embodiments, each E¹ may differ from each E². In some embodiments, each R¹ may differ from each R².

Reaction 1 may be carried out as previously described herein. Referring to Reaction 4, the intermediate product L₂N-E¹R¹ may be formed by reacting the L₂N—X (obtained by Reaction 1) with ME¹R¹. The molar ratio of the L₂N—X reagent to the ME¹R¹ reagent may be, for example, one (1) to one (1) (in other words, one molar equivalent of the L₂N—X reagent and one molar equivalent of the ME¹R¹ reagent may be reacted with one another in Reaction 4), although, again, the particular molar ratio may depend on the particular SSP to be formed.

Reaction 4 also may be carried out in solution. For example, Reaction 4 may be performed in the same benzene (C₆H₆) or other solution used in Reaction 1, or in another suitable solvent (i.e., a solvent in which the L₂N—X reagent and/or the ME¹R¹ reagent is soluble). The product of Reaction 4 may comprise a solution or a suspension comprising the intermediate product L₂N-E¹R¹.

Referring to Reaction 5, the intermediate product M′(E²R²)_(n) may be formed by reacting M′X₃ with ME²R². The molar ratio of the M′X₃ reagent to the ME²R² reagent may be, for example, one (1) to three (3) (in other words, one molar equivalent of the M′X₃ reagent and three molar equivalents of the ME²R² reagent may be reacted with one another in Reaction 5), although, again, the particular molar ratio may depend on the particular SSP to be formed.

Reaction 5 also may be carried out in solution. For example, Reaction 5 may be performed in the same benzene (C₆H₆) or other solution (i.e., a solvent in which the M′X₃ reagent and/or the ME²R² reagent is soluble). The product of Reaction 5 may comprise a solution or a suspension comprising the intermediate products M′(E²R²)_(n). It is noted that the R² groups in the four molar equivalents of the ME²R² reagent may be individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. Thus, each of the R² groups may be the same or they may differ from one another. Similarly, the E² groups in the four molar equivalents of the ME²R² reagent may be individually selected from the Group VIA atoms, and, thus, may be the same or they may differ from one another.

Referring to Reaction 6, an SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)(μ-E²R²)M′(E²R²)₂ or L₂N(μ-E²R²)₂M′(E¹R¹)(E²R²) may be formed by reacting the intermediate product L₂N-E¹R¹ of Reaction 4 with the intermediate product M′(E²R²)_(n) of Reaction 5. By way of example and not limitation, the intermediate product M′(E²R²)_(n) may be added to the solution or suspension that is the product of Reaction 4 and includes the intermediate product L₂N-E¹R¹. The molar ratio of the L₂N-E¹R¹ reagent to the M′(E²R²)_(n) reagent may be, for example, one (1) to one (1) (in other words, one molar equivalent of the L₂N-E¹R¹ reagent and one molar equivalent of the M′(E²R²)_(n) reagent may be reacted with one another in Reaction 6), although, again, the particular molar ratio may depend on the particular SSP to be formed.

Reaction 6 also may be carried out in solution. For example, Reaction 6 may be performed in the same benzene (C₆H₆) or other solution used in Reaction 5, after carrying out Reaction 5, such that the solution includes the intermediate product and reagent M′(E²R²). The product of Reaction 6 may comprise a suspension in which the SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)(μ-E²R²)M′(E²R²)₂ or L₂N(μ-E²R²)₂M′(E¹R¹)(E²R²) is present as a liquid or solid dissolved or suspended in the solution. The by-product may be filtered, and the filtrate may be concentrated to isolate the SSP. The SSP may comprise a liquid or solid product, and the solid SSP may be re-crystallized as desirable in preparation for utilizing the SSP to form a chalcogenide material (e.g., a ternary chalcopyrite material).

In accordance some embodiments of the present invention, SSPs of the general formula L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)(ER⁴) may be formed using Reactions 1 and 4 (which are the same as above and repeated below for convenience) and Reactions 7 through 10 below:

N—X+2L→L₂N—X  Reaction 1

L₂N—X+MER¹→L₂N-ER¹(+MX)  Reaction 4

L₂N-ER¹+M′X₃→L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-X)M′X₂  Reaction 7

L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-X)M′X₂+MER²→L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′X₂(+MX)  Reaction 8

L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′X₂+MER³→L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)X(+MX)  Reaction 9

L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)X+MER⁴→L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)(ER⁴)(+MX)(SSP)  Reaction 10

wherein L is a Lewis base that is coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, each R′, R², R³, and R⁴ group is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and R′, R², R³, R⁴ are different from one another. The E groups in the MER¹, MER², MER³, and MER⁴ reagents may be the same or they may be different from one another. In other words, the MER¹ reagent may comprise E¹, the MER² reagent may comprise E², the MER³ reagent may comprise E³, and the MER⁴ reagent may comprise E⁴, wherein E¹, E², E³, and E⁴ all differ from one another. In additional embodiments, less than four different E groups (e.g., one, two, or three), or more than four different E groups may be employed in the MER¹, MER², MER³, and MER⁴ reagents.

Reactions 1 and 4 may be carried out as previously described herein.

Referring to Reaction 7, the intermediate product L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-X)M′X₂ (which may be an SSP) may be formed by reacting the L₂N-ER¹ (obtained by Reaction 4) with M′X₃. The molar ratio of the L₂N-ER¹ reagent to the M′X₃ reagent may be, for example, one (1) to one (1) (in other words, one molar equivalent of the M′X₃ reagent and one molar equivalent of the L₂N-ER¹ reagent may be reacted with one another in Reaction 7). Reaction 7 may be carried out in a solution such as benzene (C₆H₆) or in another suitable solvent or mixture of solvents. The product of Reaction 7 may comprise a solution or a suspension comprising the intermediate SSP product L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-X)M′X₂.

Referring to Reaction 8, the intermediate SSP product L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′X₂ may be formed by reacting one (1) molar equivalent of MER² with the intermediate SSP product L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-X)M′X₂ of Reaction 7. As shown in Reaction 9, the intermediate SSP product L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)X may be formed by reacting one (1) molar equivalent of MER³ with one (1) molar equivalent of the SSP intermediate product L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′X₂ obtained by Reaction 8. Similarly, as shown in Reaction 10, a final SSP product of the general formula L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)(ER⁴) may be formed by reacting one (1) molar equivalent of MER⁴ with one (1) molar equivalent of the SSP intermediate product L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)X obtained by Reaction 9. The product of Reaction 10 may comprise a suspension in which an SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)(ER⁴) is present as a liquid or solid dissolved or suspended in the solution. It is noted that the various groups may not be added to the particular positions of the SSP in the order represented above, and, thus, the ER¹, ER², ER³, and ER⁴ groups may be in any position in the SSP. The by-product may be filtered, and the filtrate may be concentrated to isolate the SSP. The SSP may comprise a liquid or solid product, and the solid SSP may be re-crystallized as desirable in preparation for utilizing the SSP to form a chalcogenide material (e.g., a ternary chalcopyrite material).

In accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention, after forming SSPs as previously described herein, the composition of the SSPs may be tailored by carrying out one or more additional reactions (e.g., substitution reactions) with the SSPs, as described below. For example, after forming a first SSP(SSP'), a second, different SSP (SSP²) of the general formula L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)(μ-E²R²)M′(E³R³)(E⁴R⁴) may be formed from the first SSP¹ in accordance with Reaction 11 below:

SSP ¹ +nHE¹R¹ +mHE²R² +oHE³R³ +pHE⁴R⁴→L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)(μ-E²R²)M′(E³R³)(E⁴R⁴)(SSP)  Reaction 11

wherein each of n, m, o, and p is any number between zero (0) and four (4), the sum of n, m, o, and p is four (4), L is a Lewis base that is coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each of E¹, E², E³, and E⁴ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, each of R′, R², R³, and R⁴ is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. In Reaction 11, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ may be the same or different from one another, and E¹, E², E³, and E⁴ may be the same or different from one another.

As one non-limiting example, after forming an SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ using Reactions 1 through 3, as previously described, a different SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)₂M′(E¹R¹)₂ may be formed from the SSP in accordance with Reaction 11 by reacting four (4) molar equivalents of HE¹R¹ with one (1) molar equivalent of the L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)₂M′(E¹R²)SSP. As another non-limiting example, after forming an SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)(μ-E²R²)M′(E²R²)₂ using Reactions 1, 4, 5, and 6, as previously described, a different SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-E³R³)₂M′(E³R³)₂ may be formed from the SSP in accordance with Reaction 11 by reacting four (4) molar equivalents of HE³R³ with one (1) molar equivalent of the L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)(μ-E²R²)M′(E²R²) SSP. As yet another non-limiting example, after forming an SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)(ER⁴) using Reactions 1, 4, and 7 through 10, as previously described, a different SSP of the general formula L₂N(μ-E²R⁵)₂M′(E²R⁵)₂ may be formed from the SSP in accordance with Reaction 11 by reacting four (4) molar equivalents of HE²R⁵ with one (1) molar equivalent of the L₂N(μ-ER¹)(μ-ER²)M′(ER³)(ER⁴) SSP.

Reaction 11 also may be carried out in solution. For example, Reaction 11 may be performed in benzene (C₆H₆) or another suitable solvent or solvent mixture. The product of Reaction 11 may comprise a suspension in which the SSP product is present as liquid or solid matter dissolved or suspended in the solution. The by-product may be filtered, and the filtrate may be concentrated to isolate the SSP product. The SSP product may comprise a liquid or solid product, and the solid SSP may be re-crystallized as desirable in preparation for utilizing the SSP to form a chalcogenide material (e.g., a ternary chalcopyrite material).

The reaction mechanisms described hereinabove with reference to Reactions 1 through 11 may be used to form a wide variety of SSPs. For example, different species of the L₂N—X reagent (Reaction 2) and the ME′R¹ reagent (Reaction 3) may be used to place different R¹ groups on the SSPs, different E¹ groups on the SSPs, or different L groups on the SSPs, and different species of the L₂N—X reagent, the M′X₃ reagent, and the ME¹R¹ reagent may be used in selected ratios to tailor the identity and concentration of the N, M′, and E atoms in the SSPs. Four non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention are set forth below to illustrate the versatility in forming SSPs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention, however, are not to be limited to methods of forming the specific SSPs formed in the examples below, or to methods employing the particular reagents employed in the examples below.

Example 1

The SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂ may be formed as follows.

Two (2) molar equivalents of Ph₃P (42.000 grams, 160.13 millimoles) may be added to a mixture of two hundred forty (240) milliliters (mL) of anhydrous benzene (C₆H₆) and two hundred forty (240) milliliters (mL) of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ((CH₂)₄O, THF) to form a first solution, which may be stirred. One (1) molar equivalent of anhydrous Cu(I)Cl (7.9260 grams, 80.064 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a first white suspension including the intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product or kept to continue the reaction as a one pot reaction, which is referred to herein as “Mixture A.”

A second solution may be formed by adding 1.4770 molar equivalents of KH (40.000 grams, 299.18 millimoles, collected from thirty (30) weight percent dispersion in mineral oil and washed several times with benzene) to about 100 mL of benzene. One (1) molar equivalent of EtSH (15.000 mL, 202.56 millimoles) (Et is the ethyl group) may be added to the second solution and stirred for a few minutes. The EtSH and the KH react with one another to form KSEt. The resulting product that includes the KSEt (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the KSEt formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture B.”

A “Mixture C” may also be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of Na metal (34.000 grams, 1478.9 millimoles, collected from mineral oil and washed several times with diethyl ether) to about 500 mL of diethyl ether. One (1) molar equivalent of EtSH (109.52 mL, 1478.9 millimoles) may be added to the second solution and stirred for twelve (12) hours at forty (40) degrees Celsius (° C.). The EtSH and the Na metal react with one another to form NaSEt. The resulting product that includes the NaSEt (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the NaSEt formed by drying a solution) is Mixture C.

If the reaction is a one pot reaction, one (1) molar equivalent of anhydrous InCl₃ (17.709 grams, 80.064 millimoles) may be added to Mixture A, after which this third solution may be stirred for about sixty (60) minutes at eighty (80) degrees Celsius (° C.). The resulting mixture may comprise a fourth solution. This solution may comprise the intermediate product {(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-Cl)₂InCl₂}₂, a computer generated graphical representation of which is illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, this intermediate product comprises an eight (8) member ring structure defined by two (2) copper atoms, two (2) indium atoms, and four (4) chlorine atoms.

Four (4) molar equivalents of NaSEt (26.940 grams, 320.26 millimoles) or KSEt (32.100 grams, 320.26 millimoles) provided by Mixture B or C, respectively, may be added to the fourth solution and stirred for an additional twelve (12) hours at eighty (80)° C.

In some embodiments, however, less than four (4) molar equivalents of the NaSEt or KSEt may initially be added to the fourth solution. Fractions of the four (4) molar equivalents may be added sequentially to attain various intermediate products. For example, one (1) molar equivalent of the NaSEt or KSEt may initially be added to the fourth solution to form an intermediate product, the exact nature of which is not known, but is currently believed to be the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)InCl₃ species shown in the computer generated graphical representation of FIG. 2. A second molar equivalent of the NaSEt or KSEt may be added to the fourth solution to form another intermediate product, the exact nature of which is not known, but is currently believed to be the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂InCl₂ species shown in the computer generated graphical representation of FIG. 3. Similarly, a third molar equivalent of the NaSEt or KSEt may then be added to the fourth solution to form another intermediate product, the exact nature of which is not known, but is currently believed to be the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)Cl species shown in the computer generated graphical representation of FIG. 4. Finally, a fourth molar equivalent of the NaSEt may be added to the fourth solution to form the final SSP product (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂, which is shown in the computer generated graphical representation of FIG. 5.

After all four (4) molar equivalents of the NaSEt or KSEt provided by Mixture B or C, respectively, have been added to the fourth solution, the solution may be stirred for an additional twelve (12) hours at eighty degrees Celsius (80° C.). After stirring, the resulting mixture may comprise a suspension that includes a solution with particles of the SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂ suspended therein. The SSP may be isolated by filtering of by-product, and the filtrate may be concentrated as necessary or desirable. Optionally, the isolated SSP may be re-crystallized in preparation for using the SSP to form the ternary chalcopyrite material CuInS₂.

It will be apparent from the above description that, in additional embodiments, instead of using the same reagent (e.g., NaSEt) in each of the sequential additions to the reaction mixture, different reagents including different moieties (other than ethyl groups) may be added to the fourth solution to substitute different, selected moieties into the resulting SSP product at different selected locations within the structure of the SSP molecule or complex.

Example 2

The SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(t-SBn)(μ-SEt)Ga(SEt)₂ may be formed as follows.

The intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl is formed as described in Example 1 above (and repeated below for convenience). Two (2) molar equivalents of Ph₃P (42.000 grams, 160.13 millimoles) may be added to mixture of two hundred forty (240) milliliters (mL) of anhydrous benzene (C₆H₆) and two hundred forty (240) milliliters (mL) of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ((CH₂)₄O, THF) to form a first solution, which may be stirred. One (1) molar equivalent of anhydrous Cu(I)Cl (7.9260 grams, 80.064 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a first white suspension including the intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product or kept to continue the reaction, which is referred to herein as “Mixture A.”

A second solution (which is the same as above and repeated below for convenience) may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of Na metal (34.000 grams, 1478.9 millimoles, collected from mineral oil and washed several times with diethyl ether) to about 500 mL of diethyl ether. One (1) molar equivalent of EtSH (109.52 mL, 1478.9 millimoles) may be added to the second solution and stirred for twelve (12) hours at forty (40) degrees Celsius (° C.). The EtSH and the Na metal react with one another to form NaSEt. The resulting product that includes the NaSEt (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the NaSEt formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture B.”

A third solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of Na metal (10.000 grams, 434.97 millimoles, collected from mineral oil and washed several times with diethyl ether) to about 200 mL of diethyl ether. One (1) molar equivalent of C₆H₅CH₂SH (HSBn, 51.066 mL, 434.97 millimoles) may be added to the third solution and stirred for twelve (12) hours at 40° C. The C₆H₅CH₂SH and the Na metal react with one another to form NaSCH₂C₆H₅ (NaSBn). The resulting product that includes the NaSBn (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the NaSBn formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture C.”

A fourth solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl (49.926 grams, 80.064 millimoles) provided by Mixture A to about 200 mL of benzene. One (1) molar equivalent of NaSBn (8.1840 grams, 80.064 millimoles) provided by Mixture C may be added to the fourth solution and stirred for twelve (12) hours. The (Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl and the NaSBn react with one another to form (Ph₃P)₂CuSBn. The resulting mixture may comprise a fourth solution. This solution may comprise the intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂CuSBn (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the (Ph₃P)₂CuSBn formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture D.”

A fifth solution may be formed by adding three (3) molar equivalents of NaSEt (20.205 grams, 240.192 millimoles) provided by Mixture B to about 200 mL of benzene. One (1) molar equivalent of anhydrous GaCl₃ (14.098 grams, 80.064 millimoles) may be added to this fifth solution, after which the fifth solution may be stirred for about sixty (60) minutes at eighty (80)° C. The resulting mixture may comprise a fifth solution. This solution may comprise the intermediate product Ga(SEt)₃ (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the Ga(SEt)₃ formed by drying a solution).

One (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂CuSBn (56.950 grams, 80.064 millimoles) provided by Mixture D may be added to the fifth solution and stirred for an additional twelve (12) hours at eighty (80)° C. After stirring, the resulting mixture may comprise a suspension that includes a solution with particles of the SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-SEt)Ga(SEt)₂ suspended therein. The SSP may be isolated by filtering of by-product, and the filtrate may be concentrated as necessary or desirable. Optionally, the isolated SSP may be re-crystallized in preparation for using the SSP to form the ternary chalcopyrite material CuGaS₂.

In some embodiments, however, less than three (3) molar equivalents of the NaSEt may initially be added to the fifth solution. Fractions of the three (3) molar equivalents may be added sequentially to attain various intermediate products. For example, one (1) molar equivalent of the NaSEt may initially be added to the fifth solution to form an intermediate product GaSEtCl₂. A second molar equivalent of the NaSEt may be added to the fifth solution to form another intermediate product Ga(SEt)₂Cl. Finally, a third molar equivalent of the NaSEt may then be added to the fifth solution to form another intermediate product Ga(SEt)₃.

It will be apparent from the above description that, in additional embodiments, instead of using the same reagent (e.g., NaSEt) in each of the sequential additions to the reaction mixture, different reagents including different moieties (other than ethyl groups) may be added to the fourth solution to substitute different, selected moieties into the resulting SSP product at different selected locations within the structure of the SSP molecule or complex.

Example 3

The SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-SPh)Al(SEt)(SHex) may be formed as follows.

The intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl is formed as described in Example 1 above (and repeated below for convenience). Two (2) molar equivalents of Ph₃P (42.000 grams, 160.13 millimoles) may be added to a mixture of two hundred forty (240) milliliters (mL) of anhydrous benzene (C₆H₆) and two hundred forty (240) milliliters (mL) of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ((CH₂)₄O, THF) to form a first solution, which may be stirred. One (1) molar equivalent of anhydrous Cu(I)Cl (7.9260 grams, 80.064 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a first white suspension including the intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product or kept to continue the reaction, which is referred to herein as “Mixture A.”

A second solution (which is formed as described above and repeated below for convenience) may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of Na metal (34.000 grams, 1478.9 millimoles, collected from mineral oil and washed several times with diethyl ether) to about 500 mL of diethyl ether. One (1) molar equivalent of EtSH (109.52 mL, 1478.9 millimoles) may be added to the second solution and stirred for twelve (12) hours at forty (40) degrees Celsius (° C.). The EtSH and the Na metal react with one another to form NaSEt. The resulting product that includes the NaSEt (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the NaSEt formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture B.”

A third solution (which is formed as described above and repeated below for convenience) may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of Na metal (10.000 grams, 434.97 millimoles, collected from mineral oil and washed several times with diethyl ether) to about 200 mL of diethyl ether. One (1) molar equivalent of C₆H₅CH₂SH (HSBn, 51.066 mL, 434.97 millimoles) may be added to the third solution and stirred for twelve (12) hours at forty (40) degrees Celsius (° C.). The C₆H₅CH₂SH and the Na metal react with one another to form NaSCH₂C₆H₅ (NaSBn). The resulting product that includes the NaSBn (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the NaSBn formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture C.”

A fourth solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of Na metal (10.000 grams, 434.97 millimoles, collected from mineral oil and washed several times with diethyl ether) to about 200 mL of diethyl ether. One (1) molar equivalent of C₆H₅SH (HSPh, 44.454 mL, 434.97 millimoles) may be added to the fourth solution and stirred for twelve (12) hours at forty (40) degrees Celsius (° C.). The C₆H₅SH and the Na metal react with one another to form NaSC₆H₅ (NaSPh). The resulting product that includes the NaSPh (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the NaSPh formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture D.”

A fifth solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of Na metal (10.000 grams, 434.97 millimoles, collected from mineral oil and washed several times with diethyl ether) to about 200 mL of diethyl ether. One (1) molar equivalent of C₆H₁₃SH(HSHex, 61.227 mL, 434.972 millimoles) may be added to the fifth solution and stirred for twelve (12) hours at forty (40) degrees Celsius (° C.). The C₆H₁₃SH and the Na metal react with one another to form NaSC₆H₁₃ (NaSHex). The resulting product that includes the NaSHex (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the NaSHex formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture E.”

A sixth solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent of NaSBn (8.184 grams, 80.064 millimoles) provided by Mixture C to the first solution ((Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl) provided by Mixture A, after which the sixth solution may be stirred for twelve (12) hours. The (Ph₃P)₂Cu—Cl and the NaSBn react with one another to form (Ph₃P)₂CuSBn. The resulting mixture may comprise a sixth solution. This solution may comprise the intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂CuSBn (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the (Ph₃P)₂CuSBn formed by drying a solution) and is referred to herein as “Mixture F.”

A seventh solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent anhydrous AlCl₃ (10.676 grams, 80.064 millimoles) to the sixth solution of (Ph₃P)₂CuSBn provided by Mixture F, after which the seventh solution may be stirred for about sixty (60) minutes at eighty (80) degrees Celsius (° C.). The resulting mixture is the seventh solution. This solution may comprise the intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-Cl)Al(Cl)₂ (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-Cl)Al(Cl)₂ formed by drying a solution) and is referred to herein as “Mixture G.”

An eighth solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent NaSPh (10.581 grams, 80.064 millimoles) provided by Mixture D to the seventh solution of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-Cl)Al(Cl)₂ provided by Mixture G, after which the eighth solution may be stirred for about sixty (60) minutes at eighty (80) degrees Celsius (° C.). The resulting mixture is the eighth solution. This solution may comprise the intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-SPh)Al(Cl)₂ (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-SPh)Al(Cl)₂ formed by drying a solution) and is referred to herein as “Mixture H.”

A ninth solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent NaSEt (6.735 grams, 80.064 millimoles) provided by Mixture B to the eighth solution of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-SPh)Al(Cl)₂ provided by Mixture H, after which the ninth solution may be stirred for about sixty (60) minutes at eighty (80) degrees Celsius (° C.). The resulting mixture is the ninth solution. This solution may comprise the intermediate product (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-SPh)Al(SEQ(Cl) (which may comprise a solution or a solid product comprising the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-Ph)Al(SEt)(Cl) formed by drying a solution) is referred to herein as “Mixture I.”

A tenth solution may be formed by adding one (1) molar equivalent NaSHex (11.227 grams, 80.064 millimoles) provided by Mixture E to the ninth solution of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-SPh)Al(SEt)(Cl) provided by Mixture I, after which the tenth solution may be stirred for about twelve (12) hours at eighty (80) degrees Celsius (° C.). After stirring, the resulting mixture may comprise a suspension that includes a solution with particles of the SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SBn)(μ-SPh)Al(SEt)(SHex) suspended therein. The SSP may be isolated by filtering of by-product, and the filtrate may be concentrated as necessary or desirable. Optionally, the isolated SSP may be re-crystallized in preparation for using the SSP to form the ternary chalcopyrite material CuAlS₂.

Example 4

The SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SePh)₂In(SePh)₂ may be formed as follows.

One (1) molar equivalent of the SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂ (10.000 grams, 10.555 millimoles), which may be formed as described in Example 1, may be added to about 50 mL of benzene to form a first solution, which may be stirred. Four (4) molar equivalents of C₆H₅SeH (PhSeH, 4.7080 mL, 42.220 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a first solution or suspension including the product (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SePh)₂In(SePh)₂. The first solution or suspension may be concentrated to form a liquid or solid product (or kept to continue the reaction as one pot reaction).

In some embodiments, however, less than four (4) molar equivalents of the PhSeH may initially be added to the first solution. Fractions of the four (4) molar equivalents may be added sequentially to attain various products. For example, one (1) molar equivalent of the PhSeH may initially be added to the first solution to form an intermediate product, the exact nature of which is not known, but is currently believed to be the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)(uSePh)In(SEt)₂ species. A second molar equivalent of the PhSeH may be added to the first solution to form another intermediate product, the exact nature of which is not known, but is currently believed to be the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SePh)₂In(SEt)₂ species. Similarly, a third molar equivalent of the PhSeH may then be added to the first solution to form another intermediate product, the exact nature of which is not known, but is currently believed to be the (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SePh)₂In(PhSe)(SEt) species. Finally, a fourth molar equivalent of the PhSeH may be added to the first solution to form the final SSP product (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SePh)₂In(SePh)₂.

After all four (4) molar equivalents of the PhSeH have been added to the first solution, the solution may be stirred for an additional one (1) hour. After stirring, the resulting mixture may comprise a solution or suspension that includes a solution with particles of the SSP (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SePh)₂In(SePh)₂ suspended therein. The SSP may be isolated by evaporation of by-product. Optionally, the isolated SSP may be re-crystallized in preparation for using the SSP to form the ternary chalcopyrite material CuInSe₂.

It will be apparent from the above description that, in additional embodiments, instead of using the same reagent (e.g., PhSeH) in each of the sequential additions to the reaction mixture, different reagents including different moieties (other than phenylselenol) may be added to the first solution to substitute different, selected moieties into the resulting SSP product at different selected locations within the structure of the SSP molecule or complex.

In accordance with yet further embodiments of the present invention, polymeric SSPs may be formed by polymerizing SSP molecules or complexes, such as the SSP molecules or complexes formed as previously described herein. For example, an organometallic polymeric SSP of the general formula [L₂N(ER¹)_(a)(μ-ER²E)_(b)M′(ER¹)_(c)(ER²E)_(d)]_(m) may be fabricated using Reactions 1 through 3 (which are the same as above and repeated below for convenience) and Reaction 12 below:

N—X+2L→L₂N—X  Reaction 1

L₂N—X+M′X₃→½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂  Reaction 2

½{L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂+4MER→L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂(+4MX)  Reaction 3

L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ +nHE¹R¹E¹H→[L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)  Reaction 12

wherein L is a Lewis base (that is coordinated to N by a dative bond), each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, each E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms (E and E¹ may be the same or different), each X is individually selected from group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, n is any number from less than one (1) to four (4) or excess, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a (b=2−a), c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c (d=2−c), the sum of b and d is equal to n (n=b+d) (if n is four (4) or less), m is any number representing the size of the resulting polymeric molecules or complexes, each of the R groups is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each of the R¹ groups is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.

In Reaction 12, up to four (4) units of the ER groups of the L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ substance may be replaced with E′R′E′ to give linear or cross-linked polymeric SSPs. In other words, the degree of polymerization may be relatively higher when, for example, n is about four (4), and the degree of polymerization may be relatively lower when, for example, n is about one (1) or less, with intermediate degrees of polymerization being attained when n has an intermediate value between one (1) and four (4). It is noted that the R¹ groups in the four molar equivalents of the HE¹R¹E¹H reagent may differ from one another, and may be individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. It is noted that the E¹ groups in the four molar equivalents of the HE¹R¹E¹H reagent may differ from one another, and may be individually selected from the Group VIA atoms.

In some embodiments, m may be one (1) or greater than one (1). For example, m may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher.

Reactions 1 through 3 may be carried out as previously described herein. Referring to Reaction 12, the non-polymeric organometallic substance L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ may be polymerized by reacting between about one (1) and about four (4) molar equivalents of HE¹R¹E¹H with the L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ substance to form a polymeric organometallic SSP of the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m). Reaction 12 may be carried out in a solution comprising benzene (C₆H₆) or a mixture of more than one solvent or another suitable solvent.

Example 5

As a non-limiting example, one (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂ (20.000 grams, 21.110 millimoles), which may be formed as previously described in Example 1, may be added to about 100 mL of benzene to form a first solution, which may be stirred. Four (4) molar equivalents of HSCH₂CH₂SH(HSEtSH, 7.0821 mL, 84.438 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a first suspension including the product [(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂In(SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(m), where m may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product (or kept to continue the reaction as in a one pot reaction).

In some embodiments, two or more different SSPs (e.g., containing different N and/or M′ atoms) may be polymerized by reacting between about one (1) and about four (4) or excess molar equivalents of HE¹R¹E¹H with the two or more different SSPs to form copolymeric organometallic SSPs of the empirical formula {[L₂N¹(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′¹(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)[L₂N²(ER)_(e)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(f)M′²(ER)_(g)(E¹R¹E¹)_(h)]_(n)}_(l), wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N¹ and N² by a dative bond, each N¹ and N² is individually selected from Group IB atoms (N¹ and N² may be the same or different), each M′¹ and M′² is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms (M′¹ and M′² may be the same or different), each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms (E and E¹ may be same or different), a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a (b=2−a), c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c (d=2−c), m is any number, e is any number from zero (0) to two (2), f is the difference between two (2) and e (f=2−e), g is any number from zero (0) to two (2), h is the difference between two (2) and g (h=2−g), n is any number, l is any number, each R group is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each of the R¹ groups is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. It is noted that the R¹ groups in the four molar equivalents of the HE¹R¹E¹H reagent may differ from one another, and may be individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. It is noted that the E¹ groups in the four molar equivalents of the HE¹R¹E¹H reagent may be the same or different from one another, and may be individually selected from the Group VIA atoms. It is noted that all possible variations in identities and quantities of different SSPs can be used to form copolymeric single source precursors.

In some embodiments, m, n, and/may be one (1) or greater than one (1). For example, m, n, and/may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher (m, n, and l may be the same or different from one another).

Example 6

As a non-limiting example, one (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂ (10.000 grams, 10.555 millimoles) and one (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂Ga(SEt)₂ (9.5240 grams, 10.555 millimoles), which may be provided using methods previously described herein, may be added to about 100 mL of benzene to form a first solution, which may be stirred. Eight (8) molar equivalents of HSCH₂CH₂SH(HSEtSH, 7.0821 mL, 84.438 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a copolymeric, organometallic SSP having the empirical equation {[(Ph3P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂In (SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂Ga(SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(n)}_(l), where m, n, and l may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product (or kept to continue the reaction as in a one pot reaction).

Example 7

As a non-limiting example, one (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂ (10.000 grams, 10.555 millimoles), and one (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SEt)₂Ga(SEt)₂ (9.9919 grams, 10.555 millimoles), which may be provided using methods previously described herein, may be added to about 100 mL of benzene to form a first solution, which may be stirred. Eight (8) molar equivalents of HSCH₂CH₂SH(HSEtSH, 7.0821 mL, 84.438 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a copolymeric, organometallic SSP having the empirical formula {[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂In(SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂Ga(SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(n)}_(l), where m, n, and l may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product (or kept to continue the reaction as in a one pot reaction).

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a copolymeric, organometallic SSP may be formed using methods described herein that includes two or more Group I metals, two or more Group III metals, and/or two or more Group VIA elements. For example, an SSP having the following formula may be formed in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention: {[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂In(SCH₂CH₂S)₂₋]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂Ga(SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂Al(SCH₂CH₂S)₂₋]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂In(SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂Ga(SCH₂CH₂S)₂₋]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂Al(SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(m)}_(m), wherein each m may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher.

In some embodiments, two or more different HE¹R¹E¹H species may be reacted with one or more than one L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ species in a polymerization reaction to form a copolymeric organometallic SSP having the empirical formula {[L₂N¹(μ-ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′¹(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)[L₂N²(μ-ER)_(e)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(f)M′²(ER)_(g)(E¹R¹E¹)_(h)]_(n)}_(l).

In some embodiments, one or more different HE¹R¹E¹H species and one or more different HE²R² species may be reacted with one or more different L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ species to form a polymeric organometallic SSP of the empirical formula {[L₂N(E²R²)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(E²R²)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m). It is noted that the E, E¹, and E² atoms in the reagents may be the same or different, and may be individually selected from the Group VIA atoms.

Example 8

As a non-limiting example, one (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂ (10.000 grams, 10.555 millimoles), which may be provided using methods previously described herein, may be added to about 100 mL of benzene to form a first solution, which may be stirred. Four (4) molar equivalent of C₆H₅SeH (PhSeH, 4.4837 mL, 42.220 millimoles) and one (1) molar equivalent of HSCH₂CH₂SH(HSEtSH, 0.88530 mL, 10.555 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form copolymeric organometallic SSPs having the empirical formula [(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)(μ-SePh)In(SePh)₂]_(m) or [(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SePh)₂In(SePh)(SCH₂CH₂S)]_(m), where m may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product (or kept to continue the reaction as in a one pot reaction).

In accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention, a polymeric SSP of the general formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m) may be fabricated using Reactions 1 and 2 (which are the same as above and repeated below for convenience), and additional Reaction 13 below:

N—X+2L→L₂N—X  Reaction 1

L₂N—X+M′X₃→½[L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂  Reaction 2

½[L₂N(μ-X)₂M′X₂}₂ +nME¹R¹E¹M+pMER→[L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)(+4MX)  Reaction 13

wherein L is a Lewis base that is coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms (E and E¹ may be the same or different), n is any number from one (1) to four (4), p is the difference between four (4) and n (p=4−n), a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a (b=2−a), c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c (d=2−c), the sum of b and d is equal to n (n=b+d), the sum of a and c is equal top (p=a+c), m is any number representing the size of the resulting polymeric molecules or complexes, each of the R groups is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each of the R¹ groups is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. In some embodiments, m may be one (1) or greater than one (1). For example, m may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or greater.

Reactions 1 and 2 may be carried out as previously described herein. Referring to Reaction 13, the non-polymeric organometallic substance L₂N(μ-X)₂M′(X)₂ may be polymerized by reacting between about one (1) and about four (4) molar equivalents of ME¹R¹E¹M and MER (either sequentially or simultaneously) with the L₂N(μ-X)₂M′(X)₂ substance to form a polymeric organometallic SSP of the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m). Reaction 13 may be carried out in a solution comprising benzene (C₆H₆) or another suitable solvent or solvent mixture.

Example 9

As a non-limiting example, one (1) molar equivalent of ½{(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-Cl)₂In(Cl)₂}₂ (67.635 grams, 80.064 millimoles), which may be provided using methods previously described herein, may be added to a mixture of about 240 mL of anhydrous benzene and 240 mL of anhydrous THF to form a first solution, which may be stirred. About two (2) molar equivalents of NaSCH₂CH₂SNa (22.123 grams, 160.128 millimoles) and about two (2) molar equivalents of NaSEt (13.470 mL, 160.128 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a polymeric, organometallic SSP having the empirical formula [(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-(SCH₂CH₂S))(μ-SEt)In(SCH₂CH₂S)(SEt)]_(m), where m may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher.

In some embodiments, two or more different L₂N(μ-X)₂M′(X)₂ species may be polymerized by reacting between about one (1) and about four (4) molar equivalents of ME¹R¹E¹M and MER (either sequentially or simultaneously) with the two or more different L₂N(μ-X)₂M′(X)₂ species to form a copolymeric organometallic SSP of the empirical formula {[L₂N¹(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′¹(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)[L₂N²(ER)_(e)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(f)M′²(ER)_(g)(E¹R¹E¹)_(h)]_(n)}_(l), wherein L is a Lewis base that is coordinated to N¹ and N² by dative bonds, each N¹ and N² is individually selected from Group IB atoms (N¹ and N² may be the same or different), each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each M′¹ and M′² is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms (M′¹ and M′² may be the same or different), each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms (E and E¹ may be the same or different), each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a (b=2−a), c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c (d=2−c), m is any number, e is any number from zero (0) to two (2), f is the difference between two (2) and e (f=2−e), g is any number from zero (0) to two (2), h is the difference between two (2) and g (h=2−g), n is any number, l is any number, each of the R groups is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each of the R¹ groups is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups. It is noted that the E¹ groups in the four molar equivalents of the ME¹R¹E¹M reagent may differ from one another, and may be individually selected from the Group VIA atoms. It is noted that all possible variations in identities and quantities of any organometallic substance can be used to form copolymeric single source precursors. In some embodiments, m, n, and/may be one (1) or greater than one (1). For example, m, n, and/may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher (m, n, and/may be the same or different).

Example 10

As a non-limiting example, one (1) molar equivalent of ½{(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-Cl)₂In(Cl)₂}₂ (33.818 grams, 40.032 millimoles) and one (1) molar equivalent of ½{(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-Cl)₂Ga(Cl)₂}₂ (32.012 grams, 40.032 millimoles), which may be formed using methods previously describe herein, may be added to a mixture of about 240 mL of anhydrous benzene and 240 mL of anhydrous THF to form a first solution, which may be stirred. About two (2) molar equivalents of NaSCH₂CH₂SNa (22.123 grams, 160.128 millimoles) and about two (2) molar equivalents of NaSEt (13.470 mL, 160.128 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a copolymeric, organometallic SSP having the empirical equation {[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-(SCH₂CH₂S))(μ-SEt)In(SCH₂CH₂S)(SEt)]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-(SCH₂CH₂S))(μ-SEt)G a(SCH₂CH₂S)(SEt)]_(n)}_(l), where m, n, and l may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product (or kept to continue the reaction as one pot reaction).

Example 11

As a non-limiting example, one (1) molar equivalent of ½{(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-Cl)₂In(Cl)₂}₂ (33.818 grams, 40.032 millimoles) and one (1) molar equivalent of ½{(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-Cl)₂Ga(Cl)₂}₂ (32.012 grams, 40.032 millimoles), which may be provided using methods previous described herein, may be added to a mixture of about 240 mL of anhydrous benzene and 240 mL of anhydrous THF to form a first solution, which may be stirred. About four (4) molar equivalents of NaSCH₂CH₂SNa (NaSEtSNa, 44.246 grams, 320.256 millimoles) may be added to the stirring first solution to form a copolymeric, organometallic SSP having the empirical formula {[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-(SEtS))₂In(SEtS)₂]_(m)[(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-(SEtS))₂Ga(SEtS)₂]_(n)}_(l), where m, n, and l may be between one (1) and about 20,000 or higher. The first suspension may be concentrated to form a solid product (or kept to continue the reaction as a one pot reaction).

In some embodiments, two or more different ME¹R¹E¹M and MER species may be polymerized by reacting between one or more than one of the L₂N(μ-X)₂M′(X)₂ species to form a copolymeric organometallic SSP of the empirical formula {[L₂N¹(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′¹(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)[L₂N²(ER)_(e)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(f)M′²(ER)_(g)(E¹R¹E¹)_(h)]_(n)}_(l).

Using the polymerization reactions described above, new polymeric, organometallic SSPs having the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m) may be provided, wherein each of a, b, c, and d are between zero (0) and two (2). For example, in some embodiments, the SSPs may have the empirical formula [L₂N(μ-ER)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m). In additional embodiments, the SSPs may have the empirical formula [L₂N(μ-E¹R¹E¹)₂M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m). In additional embodiments, the SSPs may have the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)(E¹R¹E¹)]_(m). In yet further embodiments, the SSPs may have the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(E¹R¹E¹)₂]_(m).

In some embodiments, the polymeric, organometallic SSPs may comprise substantially linear polymeric molecules or complexes. In additional embodiments, the polymeric, organometallic SSPs may comprise cross-linked substantially linear polymeric molecules or complexes. In yet further embodiments, the cross-linking between the individual SSP molecules or complexes may be so extensive that the polymeric, organometallic SSPs have a three-dimensional network structure.

The reaction pathways disclosed herein for forming SSPs allow the different R groups in the SSPs, as well as the different E, N, and M′ atoms, to be selectively and individually tailored, which further allows chemical and physical properties of the SSPs, such as, for example, reactivity, solubility, melting point, boiling point, etc., to be selectively tailored.

SSPs (including polymeric SSPs and non-polymeric SSPs) made in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be used to form chalocogenide materials (e.g., semiconductive ternary chalcopyrite materials) using methods such as, for example, those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/047,956, filed Mar. 13, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,003,070, issued Aug. 23, 2011 to Fox et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

Semiconductor materials and particles fabricated using SSPs formulated in accordance with embodiments of methods of the present invention may be used in many different types of semiconductor devices. For example, semiconductor materials and particles formed using embodiments of methods of the present invention may be used in semiconductor devices such as, for example, diodes (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)), photovoltaic devices, sensors, solid state lasers, and integrated circuits (e.g., memory modules and microprocessors).

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A method of forming a polymeric single source precursor, comprising reacting HE¹R¹E¹H with a single source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ to form a polymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, m is any number, each of the R groups is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each of the R¹ groups is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein m is between 1 and 20,000.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein reacting HE′R′E′H with the organometallic substance comprises reacting about four (4) molar equivalents of HSCH₂CH₂SH with about one (1) molar equivalent of (Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SEt)₂In(SEt)₂ to form polymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula [(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)₂In(SCH₂CH₂S)₂]_(m).
 4. A method of forming a polymeric single source precursor, comprising reacting at least one of HE¹R¹E¹H and HE²R² with a single source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-ER)₂M′(ER)₂ to form a polymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula [L₂N(E²R²)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(E²R²)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E, E¹, and E² is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, m is any number, and each R and R² is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.
 5. A method of forming a copolymeric single source precursor, comprising reacting a first single source precursor, a second single source precursor differing from the first single source precursor, and HE¹R¹E¹H to form a copolymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula {[L₂N¹(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′¹(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)[L₂N²(ER)_(e)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(f)M′²(ER)_(g)(E¹R¹E¹)_(h)]_(n)}_(l), wherein L is a Lewis base, each N¹ and N² is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′¹ and M′² is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, e is any number from zero (0) to two (2), f is the difference between two (2) and e, g is any number from zero (0) to two (2), h is the difference between two (2) and g, m is any number, n is any number, l is any number, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.
 6. A method of forming a polymeric single source precursor, comprising reacting nME¹R¹E¹M and pMER with a substance having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-X)₂M′(X)₂ to form a polymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base that is coordinated to N, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, n is any number from zero (0) to four (4), p is the difference between four (4) and n, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, m is any number, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein m is between one (1) and 20,000.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein reacting nME¹R¹E¹M and pMER with the substance having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-X)₂M′(X)₂ comprises reacting NaSCH₂CH₂SNa and NaSEt with ½{(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-Cl)₂l In(Cl)₂}₂ to form [(Ph₃P)₂Cu(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)(μ-SEt)In(SCH₂CH₂S)(SEt)]_(m).
 9. A method of forming a copolymeric single source precursor, comprising reacting uME¹R¹E¹M and vMER with a first substance having the empirical formula L₂N¹(μ-X)₂M′¹(X)₂ and a second substance having the empirical formula L₂N²(μ-X)₂M′²(X)₂ to form a copolymeric single source precursor having the empirical formula {[L₂N¹(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′¹(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m)[L₂N²(ER)_(e)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(f)M′²(ER)_(g)(E¹R¹E¹)_(h)]_(n)}_(l), wherein L is a Lewis base, each N¹ and N² is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′¹ and M′² is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, e is any number from zero (0) to two (2), f is the difference between two (2) and e, g is any number from zero (0) to two (2), h is the difference between two (2) and g, m is any number, n is any number, l is any number, u is any number from zero (0) to four (4), v is the difference between four (4) and u, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.
 10. A polymeric, organometallic single source precursor having the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m), wherein L is a Lewis base, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E and E¹ is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, a is any number from zero (0) to two (2), b is the difference between two (2) and a, c is any number from zero (0) to two (2), d is the difference between two (2) and c, m is any number, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups, and each R¹ is individually selected from the group consisting of α,ω-E¹ functionalized alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.
 11. The polymeric, organometallic single source precursor of claim 10, wherein the polymeric, organometallic single source precursor comprises [(Ph₃P)₂Cu(SEt)_(a)(μ-SCH₂CH₂S)_(b)In(SEt)_(c)(SCH₂CH₂S)_(d)]_(m).
 12. The polymeric, organometallic single source precursor of claim 10, wherein the single source precursor has the empirical formula [L₂N(μ-ER)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)M″(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m).
 13. The polymeric, organometallic single source precursor of claim 10, wherein the single source precursor has the empirical formula [L₂N(μ-E¹R¹E¹)₂M″(ER)_(c)(E¹R¹E¹)_(d)]_(m).
 14. The polymeric, organometallic single source precursor of claim 10, wherein the single source precursor has the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)_(b)M′(ER)(E¹R¹E¹)]_(m).
 15. The polymeric, organometallic single source precursor of claim 10, wherein the single source precursor has the empirical formula [L₂N(ER)_(a)(μ-E¹R¹E¹)₂]_(m).
 16. The polymeric, organometallic single source precursor of claim 10, wherein m is between one (1) and about 20,000.
 17. A method of forming a single-source precursor for use in forming a chalcogenide material, comprising: forming a first single-source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-E¹R¹)₂M′(E¹R¹)₂; and reacting HE²R² with the first single-source precursor to form a different second single-source precursor having the empirical formula L₂N(μ-E²R²)₂M′(E²R²)₂; wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E¹ and E² is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, and each R¹ and R² group is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising selecting at least one E¹ to differ from at least one E².
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising selecting at least one R¹ group to differ from at least one R² group. 